How Does Innovation Actually Happen?
A conversation with Eugene Fitzgerald on the nature and management of innovation.
1The Concept of Innovation
Innovation has become a mythologized concept in the modern era. Eugene Fitzgerald reexamines this concept through his work at MIT and his book 'The Invisible Engine.' He argues that innovation is the integration of market applications, technology, and implementation. In an era where AI is reshaping knowledge and research processes, Fitzgerald explores how innovation actually happens and how society should invest in it.
2Bell Labs Experience
Fitzgerald shares his experiences at Bell Labs in his book. In the 1990s, he co-invented strained silicon at AT&T Bell Laboratories, which helped extend Moore’s Law. During this process, he witnessed the challenges of turning scientific discoveries into commercial success. Large industrial labs like Bell Labs created many things but couldn't always commercialize them.
3MIT and Entrepreneurship
Fitzgerald emphasizes the importance of keeping uncertainty open and finding convergence in different directions after moving to MIT. The open environment at MIT offered him new opportunities post-Bell Labs. He later founded a company and stimulated innovation by moving between institutions. A patent dispute with Intel revealed the industry's need for strained silicon.
4The Innovation Process
Fitzgerald notes that the innovation process spans from Bell Labs to MIT, to a startup, and then to industry adoption. He highlights that uncertainty and chaos are natural parts of innovation. He argues that innovation occurs at the intersection of different fields and that this process needs to be managed correctly.
5Misconceptions About Innovation
Fitzgerald states that the biggest misconception about innovation is that all research investments work the same way. He identifies three different types of research investments: altruistic science, strategic research, and fundamental innovation. Each has different purposes and economic impacts.
6Altruistic Science
Altruistic science involves investments in academic institutions aimed at educating people. These investments are not made in the context of the world where ideas need to succeed. Fitzgerald points out that the direct economic yield of such investments is almost zero.
7Strategic Research
Strategic research is organized around a specific goal. For example, advancements in several fields are needed for a new F-35 aircraft. In such research, economics are taken out of the equation because there is only one customer. However, dealing with multiple technology domains creates broader uncertainty.
8Fundamental Innovation
Fundamental innovation represents the process from research to economic growth. This type of investment requires the integration of different fields and involves managing uncertainty. Fitzgerald argues that when managed correctly, this process can yield significant economic returns.
Original article: MIT News — AI — Yenilikçilik Nasıl Gerçekleşir?